Funded by

Erasmus+, KA2 small scale partnership

Information

Length: 2022 - 2024
Lead Partner: Hallebergs förskola - Vänersborg (SE)
Members Involved: Preschool Trenino Blu - ASP Cav. Rossi-Sidoli (IT), Preschool Pegaso - Unione Terre d'Argine (IT)
Other Partners: Daugavpils Preschool Institution nr. 27 “Mana Marite" (LV)
Priority Area: Quality Education #InclusiveCommunities

Contacts

Ginevra Roli

Project Officer - SERN

ORE

Improving preschool teachers' skills in outdoor education

About the project

The ORE Project was aimed at enhancing preschool education through outdoor learning. The project focused on developing teachers’ skills in designing safe and engaging outdoor environments, fostering sustainability awareness, and supporting children’s cognitive and social development through outdoor learning.

Objectives

The general objective was to develop teachers’ knowledge of outdoor activities and to contribute, on a small scale, to the achievement of the global goals (4. Good education, 3. Good health and Well-being, 12. Sustainable consumption and production).

The specific objectives were:

to improve teachers’ skills in designing and organising safe outdoor environments in preschools by exchanging good practices;
to develop mutual understanding and knowledge about the work with learning and education outside.

Activities

The ORE Project included various activities aimed at professional development, knowledge exchange, and practical implementation. A key element was the job shadowing activities, which allowed preschool educators to visit each other’s institutions to observe and learn best practices in outdoor education.

Job Shadowing and Training Activities

During the project’s duration, partners visited each other’s preschools to:

Exchange best practices in outdoor learning methodologies.
Observe and analyze outdoor learning environments and how they impact children’s education.
Discuss educational strategies to teach environmental responsibility.
Explore outdoor activities as tools for inclusion, particularly for children from diverse cultural backgrounds.

These visits provided hands-on learning experiences for educators, allowing them to witness different outdoor learning setups, understand the challenges and benefits, and implement refined approaches in their own schools.

Implementation of Outdoor Learning Zones

Each preschool involved in the project identified a specific outdoor learning zone to develop and test innovative teaching methods.

Sweden – Halleberg Preschool: “Wild Area”: A forest-like learning zone was developed to help children engage with nature, plants, animals, and insects. Teachers incorporated language and mathematics through outdoor activities such as naming objects, sorting materials, and creating letter and number exercises using natural elements.

Italy – Pegaso Preschool: “Sensory Paths”: The Sensory Paths Zone was designed to enhance language, mathematics, and creativity through outdoor sensory experiences. Activities included creating sensory mandalas with natural materials and painting pathways on asphalt to stimulate cognitive development and motor skills.

Italy – Il Trenino Blu Preschool: “Garden of All Senses”: This vegetable garden and flower space encouraged children to explore botany, sustainability, and creativity. The project involved children and families in planting, caring for, and harvesting vegetables, which were later used in cooking and artistic activities.

Latvia – Daugavpils Pilsetas 27 Preschool: “Digging Area”: Inspired by children’s interest in digging and paleontology, this area was designed to develop scientific curiosity and teamwork. Activities included excavating “dinosaur fossils,” studying insects, and engaging in hands-on paleontological simulations.

Pilot Activities and Testing

After implementing the outdoor learning zones, preschools tested their approaches by engaging children in structured and free-play activities. Teachers documented children’s reactions, progress, and engagement levels. These activities helped refine the methodologies and provided valuable insights into how outdoor learning enhances educational outcomes.

Results

Impact on Teachers and Educational Institutions

Educators gained confidence and expertise in outdoor education.
Teachers developed new skills in designing and managing outdoor learning environments.
Preschool institutions adopted outdoor education strategies as a regular part of their curriculum.
The project fostered a culture of exchange and reflection among teachers, strengthening collaboration at the European level.

Impact on Preschool Children

Increased engagement, curiosity, and cognitive development.
Strengthened motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork.
Enhanced language and mathematical understanding through hands-on activities.
Improved social interactions and emotional well-being through outdoor exploration.

Institutional and Policy Impact

Some preschools redesigned their outdoor spaces to better integrate nature-based learning.
The project provided policy recommendations on the benefits of outdoor learning for early childhood education.
The ORE Handbook was developed as a long-term educational resource for preschools implementing outdoor learning methodologies.

The Handbook

The ORE Handbook is an inspirational guide developed within the ORE Project designed for preschool educators, the handbook provides practical strategies, best practices, and real-world examples to integrate nature-based learning into daily teaching.

It explores how outdoor environments can foster creativity, language development, mathematical thinking, and scientific exploration, while also promoting sustainability and well-being. Featuring insights from preschools in Sweden, Italy, and Latvia, the handbook showcases tested methodologies, including sensory paths, forest zones, digging areas, and garden learning spaces.